You are here

Home » The Hub of Burwell receives Third District Excellence in Economic Development Award

The Hub of Burwell receives Third District Excellence in Economic Development Award

Office of Congressman Adrian Smith

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today (07/24/18) announced the winners of the 2018 Third District Excellence in Economic Development Awards. The awards honor eleven individuals and businesses helping to strengthen Nebraska communities through innovation, hard work, entrepreneurship, and historic preservation.

One of the eleven winners is The Hub of Burwell.

The Hub, Burwell: Currently owned by John and Melissa Schere, “The Hub” was originally built as a professional building in 1906 by Burwell-area entrepreneur H.J. Coffin. The building, the first in the area to be built of concrete block, was an early home of the Burwell Mercantile and Burwell Drug Company. This building served as an important part of the commercial center (or Hub) of Burwell until it was abandoned in 2003. The building was purchased by John and Melissa Schere in 2006, and joined the Register of National Historic Places the same year. Their goal was to restore “The Hub” to its status as a community center and to its original early 20th century purpose and aesthetic. Today, the Scheres are proud to provide a coffee and old fashioned ice cream soda fountain and retail space capable of hosting public meetings for community members of all ages.

The winners will be recognized by Smith before the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I’m proud to announce the winners of our 2018 Excellence in Economic Development Awards who have done so much to expand opportunity in Nebraska,” Smith said. “Tax reform and deregulation are improving the conditions necessary for robust economic growth and I’m excited to see their benefits improving the lives of all Americans.”